[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 68 (Tuesday, April 26, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E411-E412]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING JOHN MUIR LAND TRUST

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 26, 2022

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
John Muir Land Trust, whom I have named the 5th Congressional 
District's 2022 Climate Crisis Champion for their inspiring leadership 
in combatting the climate crisis currently gripping our communities.
  John Muir Land Trust was founded in 1989 by residents of Martinez to 
protect the Alhambra Valley Open Space known as Stonehurst. Since then, 
the organization has permanently protected over 3,500 acres of natural 
space to be used for passive recreation, wildlife habitat, clean 
drinking water protection, and scenic views. The organization's guiding 
principle is that natural, open spaces are essential to the health of 
our earth, air, water, plants, animals, and all of us.
  The organization has taken on many large-scale environmental projects 
in the area, such as the addition of Mount Wanda to the John Muir 
National Historical Site, stewardship of the Contra Costa Goldfields 
preserve, the acquisition of Almond Ranch, the merging of Franklin 
Canyon into Fernandez Ranch, the public opening of Acalanes Ridge, the 
campaign to save Carr Ranch and the permanent protection of Painted 
Rock.
  Currently, the organization has partnered with the Contra Costa 
County Flood Control District and the East Bay Regional Park District 
to restore the wildlife habitat and wetland activity of Pacheco Marsh 
in Martinez. Pacheco Marsh is home to ten special-status plant and 
animal species that require protected land to ensure the continued 
survival of their species. The marsh is planned to become a refuge for 
migrating birds, spawning fish, and the threatened salt-marsh harvest 
mouse. The site will include 2.4 miles of walking trails, elevated 
vistas, bird blinds, kayak launches, interpretive signs, and an 
environmental educational facility.
  Madam Speaker, it is evident that John Muir Land Trust has dedicated 
its work to combating the climate crisis in our communities for the 
last 30 years. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor the 
organization and its staff here today.

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